THERE IS MORE TO LIFE

Once again I have been brutally reminded just how short life really is. Hello Gorgies. This past Sunday I received devastating news of the passing of one of Botswana's pioneering presenter/rapper who goes by the name Steez. I have never met him or known him personally but he used to entertain us every Friday on Botswana's biggest music show.

As a person working hard to break into the international entertainment industry, this has struck a cord for me. One minute all is well and the next life changes drastically. I have been in a very reflective mood ever since the breaking of the news. This has got me thinking about whether I am living life to the fullest. For me this does not include partying or drinking etc, it means a thorough soul searching of my intentions in life and whether I would be fulfilled if, God forbid, I died tomorrow.

For me Steez lived a very inspirational life. In a country whose entertainment industry is small he dared to dream and pursue his dreams. For sure we feel like he died way too soon at just thirty two but he had accomplished a lot. He will forever be known in the country as one of the most daring, bravest and most talented people our country has ever had. It's people like him who gave me the audacity to dream.

Careers aside, in every area of your life, you have got to question whether you are living out of fear, which then limits you or if the love in your heart is leading you to take risks and really live a fulfilled life. Life gives you what it gives you and no amount of crying, worrying, stressing or planning can convince life to go easy on you. We were all born and we will all die. Very daunting and depressing but it is the inevitable.

In order to live a truly fulfilled life, with minimal regrets I have started asking myself these questions:

1. WHAT DO I WANT? Not what should I want or what is the best thing to desire but what do I truly want. If no one was watching and I was not scared of judgement what would I be doing?
2. WHY DO I WANT IT? Be honest with yourself. What is your motivation for wanting what you want? Is it to get rich, famous, get girls or boys, to make a difference, whatever it is don't fight it. Tell yourself the truth.
3. IS IT WORTH IT? A simple yes or no will not suffice. Why do you say what you want is or is not worth it. If your life was cut short while you were pursuing said desire would you be content with your decision or would you regret it?

I don't mean to preach or make people feel out of sorts but there is more to life than we think. The complexity and vastness of our universe and planet are a perfect example. The beauty of nature and how symbiotic it is, is another example. The complexity of our very bodies and the various systems it has is yet another example. There is more to life than careers, money, fame and whatever worldly material gains you could possibly amass.

The relationships we forge with others, how we treat those who are less privileged than us, how we acquire all our possessions, how we treat those in our subordination, how you treat the environment that feeds and supports you, how you treat other animals, what you do with your money, what you wish upon people, what you do with  your power, how you use your resources, how many people you smile at...the list is endless. These may seem cliché but maybe just maybe they matter more.

Introspect and question how you are living your life. It's either you choose fear or love. Embrace life and its dichotomy.

BOTSWANAYOUTH.COM

Rest in peace Vincent Mpho 'Steez' Tiro and everyone else who has lost their lives. May your legacy remind people that THERE IS MORE TO LIFE